Wisconsin basketball strength coach Erik Helland resigns amidst investigation
MADISON, Wisc. — Erik Helland, who was in his seventh season as the strength and conditioning coach for the University of Wisconsin men’s basketball team, has resigned.
School officials made the announcement Thursday:
"UW Athletics administration was informed last weekend that Helland, while recounting a story from earlier in his NBA career, had used a racial epithet in the presence of multiple Wisconsin men’s basketball student-athletes.
"UW Athletics confirmed that assertion on Sunday. UW Athletics works to promote a safe and welcoming environment for its student-athletes and staff and the aforementioned language used does not align with the values of the athletic department, men’s basketball program or the university."
The Journal Sentinel reported Thursday morning that Helland had been placed on administrative leave. He did not travel with the team to Minneapolis for Wisconsin's Big Ten game Wednesday against rival Minnesota.
The Journal Sentinel reported Wednesday night that school officials are investigating an allegation that a racial epithet was used by a Wisconsin staffer.
Sources with access to the program told the Journal Sentinel the use of the epithet involved Kobe King, who recently announced he was leaving the team and planned to transfer.
Senior associate athletic director Justin Doherty would not confirm that and would only provide a statement to the Journal Sentinel.
“UW athletics administration was made aware of an allegation Sunday afternoon and has already taken measures to address it,” Doherty said, reading the statement during halftime of UW's 70-52 loss to Minnesota. “Anytime we are made aware of an allegation of any kind, it is handled with the utmost seriousness.
"There is absolutely no place in UW athletics for the type of behavior being alleged.”
Doherty declined to offer any specifics.
He also declined Thursday morning to confirm whether school officials learned of the allegation from a member of the basketball team.
"After talking with my family and friends I have decided that the best step for my future basketball aspirations, as well as my love for the game, is to immediately step away from the University of Wisconsin men’s basketball program," King wrote on his Instagram account. "This has been a very tough decision for me…however, after spending almost three years in the Wisconsin program I have realized that this program is not the right fit for me as a player and person."
King thanked numerous people in his Instagram post, including Helland.
"I also want to thank our strength trainer Coach Helland and my academic advisors."
A 25-year veteran of the NBA, Helland entered his seventh year as Wisconsin's men's basketball strength and conditioning coach in 2019-20. In June 2015, Helland was also promoted to Wisconsin's director of strength and conditioning and oversees the strength and conditioning programs and facilities for all Wisconsin athletic teams.
Before joining Wisconsin, Helland worked on the staff of the Chicago Bulls starting in 1988. He was named the team's head strength and conditioning coach in 2001 and served in that capacity until he joined Wisconsin.